Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how organized you are. If this happens, it's important to know what to do.

Depending on your vehicle, the first call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. They can design an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create lots of stress and even trigger unwanted calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.

The best case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be more grave. It is important to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It's also important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they are often found in some very unusual places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is a good idea for you to retrace and search your steps. In order to do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to search with you for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you've lost your keys in a shop and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they've noticed something out of the ordinary.

It may appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for your missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you have on you, including those in jackets and purses and check every zippered space. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycling bin in case your keys were to fall out of your bag and replace lost Car key Cost got crushed by something else.

It could be beneficial to go through your steps time and look around for areas where you know they aren't like the refrigerator or freezer. Many items are lost when we reach for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and on your favorite TV show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're walking around take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a busy space, like the door handle or in the refrigerator.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to do this make sure you access the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.

You can also hide your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them when you close the car door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things simply because we're a little bit distracted. You might be on the run for a few minutes and put your keys in the seat, or you may need two free hands to carry a load of groceries. It happens to every person.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you will be able to file a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is essential in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you saw them. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is also a excellent idea. This will help to keep your car safe and prevent others from stealing it (which may result in extra costs like replacing door locks and ignition). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are a few basic tips you can use to aid.

Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and searching in the places where you think they might be. If you're unable to locate them, try checking in the car itself. Many people have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor, so it's worth taking a look.

Lastly, call locksmiths to find out if they can help you find the keys you lost keys of car. They may be able cut keys or replace the locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, make sure to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. You may have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, dependent on the circumstances.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your car keys at times and it can make your day miserable. It might be that you were running a quick task and left them on the seat or perhaps you put your key down for a moment to grab something, but lost track of it.

Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will create a paper trail and helps prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also prevents you from being penalized.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered before you file a claim.

Think about buying a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid the stress of having to replace Lost Car key cost your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You might be out for a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to stop this from happening again. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app on the phone. The app will flash or ring once you open it to help you locate your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other people can help you locate them if you are lost key what to do.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to always put them in the same place each time you return home. It doesn't matter if put them in an table in the entryway or on a hook by the door. Making this an habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away if you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.

It could be more difficult for cars that have an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll likely need go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. Based on the model and make of your vehicle it could cost upwards of $200.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your house or office particularly in the areas where you tend to lose things.